SEGMENTED ADDRESSABLE LIGHT ENGINE FOR HORTICULTURE

Abstract

The invention provides a horticulture arrangement (2) configured for support of a plant part (6) of a plant (5), comprising a horticulture lighting system (1) for horticulture lighting, the horticulture lighting system (1) comprising a light generating device (10) and an element (100), the element (100) having an elongated shape with an element length (L1), the element (100) comprising a plurality of light emitting regions (200) adapted to provide horticulture light (201) during operation of the light generating device (10), wherein an arrangement of positions of the light emitting regions (200) along the length (L1) of the element (100) is controllable.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

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15. (canceled)

16. A horticulture lighting system comprising: an elongated unit, the elongated unit having an elongated shape with a length, the elongated unit comprising comprises a plurality of light emitting regions adapted to emit horticulture light during operation of the horticulture lighting system, the elongated unit further comprising a LED strip with a plurality of LEDs configured at different positions along the length of the LED strip and arranged to provide LED light to the light emitting regions; wherein the LED strip is bendable in a plurality of fixed configurations or rigid and configured for physically supporting a plant part of a plant, and/or wherein the elongated unit further comprises a reinforcing element, wherein the reinforcing element is bendable in a plurality of fixed configurations or rigid, and wherein the reinforcing element is configured to support the LED strip and configured for physically supporting a plant part of a plant.

17. The lighting system of claim 16 further comprising a control system configured to control one or more of (i) intensities of the horticulture light of the plurality of light emitting regions, and (ii) spectral distributions of the horticulture light of the plurality of light emitting regions.

18. The lighting system of claim 16, wherein one or more lighting element regions are configured to receive LED light from one or more of the plurality of LEDs, convert at least part of said LED light with a wavelength converter into converted light, to thereby provide said horticulture light comprising at least part of said converted light.

19. The lighting system of claim 17, wherein one or more LEDs of the plurality of LEDs of the LED strip are radiationally coupled with an optical element for influencing at least one of a beam shape, a flux, an intensity and a spectral distribution of the horticulture light emitted by one or more of the plurality of light emitting regions.

20. The lighting system of claim 17, wherein one or more LEDs of the plurality of LEDs of the LED strip are intensity or color tunable and the control system (20) is adapted to individually control the intensity or spectral distribution of the LED light generated by each of the one or more LEDs.

21. The lighting system according to claim 16, further comprising one or more functional devices, wherein the one or more functional devices are configured for executing one or more of (i) measuring a temperature, (ii) measuring humidity, (iii) measuring light intensity, (iv) measuring spectral distribution of light, (v) measuring a gas, (vi) heating, (vii) providing water, (viii) providing a gas.

22. The lighting system according to claim 21 wherein at least one of the one or more functional devices is integrated with or attached to the elongated unit.

23. The lighting system according to claim 22 wherein an electrical power for the at least one of the one or more functional devices is extracted from the LED strip of the elongated unit.

24. The lighting system according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of LED strips moveably associated with the elongate unit for positioning the plurality of LEDs of the plurality of LED strips along the length of the elongated unit.

25. A method of treating a plant, the method comprising: one or more of (i) physically guiding a plant part, selected from the group consisting of a plant stem, a plant branch, a fruit, and a flower, of a plant along an elongated unit of a horticulture lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, and (ii) physically supporting a plant part selected from the group consisting of a plant stem, a plant branch, a fruit, and a flower, of said plant with the elongated unit of said horticulture lighting system; and irradiating with horticulture light at least part of the plant using one or more LEDs of a LED strip comprised by the elongated unit of said horticulture lighting system.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising changing a location of said irradiating, along a length of the elongated unit, based on a growth phase of the plant part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0077] FIGS. 1a-1b schematically depict some general embodiments; and

[0078] FIGS. 2a-2e schematically depict some variants.

[0079] The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0080] Amongst others, it is herein suggested to provide the required light (for growth, ripening, harvest preparation) at the right time and at the right location (cf. various canopies of fruits), and also the other local micro-climate conditions for the horticulture. By the use of a tunable (in color, intensity, duty cycle) and locally optimized light source, one can provide certain parts of a plant or certain plants in a group of plants with the optimal light type. An addressable light source solution will provide a way of digitally controlled tuning, without the need to mechanically re-locate the light source along the development cycle of the plant.

[0081] FIGS. 1a and 1b schematically depict embodiments of a horticulture arrangement 2 comprising a horticulture lighting system 1 for horticulture lighting, and, as schematically depicted, also a plant 5.

[0082] The horticulture lighting system 1 comprises a light generating device 10, e.g. a solid state light source, which is configured to generate light 11. Here, in this schematically depicted FIG. 1a, the light generating device is configured external of the element 100; in the schematically depicted FIG. 1b, a plurality of light generating devices 10 are comprised by the element 100, which is comprised by (or which is) an elongated unit 400. Hence, embodiments of a segmented light source are schematically depicted. The element 100 has an elongated shape with an element length L1. Especially, the element 100 may be configured for support of a plant part 6 or a plant 5, such as especially selected from the group consisting of a plant stem 6a, a plant branch 6b, a fruit 6c, and a flower 6c. In general, this may be indicated as supporting a plant 5, or supporting a plant part 6 of a plant 5. As can be seen, the support is for support of above soil or above aqueous liquid parts, or more in general especially for any part not (necessarily) including the roots. Hence, the system and arrangement may be used for soil-based applications, but also for hydroponics or aeroponics.

[0083] The element 100 comprises a plurality of light emitting regions 200 adapted to provide horticulture light 201 during operation of the light generating device 10.

[0084] Especially, one or more of the arrangement of positions of the light emitting regions 200 along the length L1 of the element 100, the intensities of the horticulture light 201 of the plurality of light emitting regions 200, and the spectral distribution of the horticulture light 201 of the plurality of light emitting regions 200 is controllable.

[0085] FIG. 1a especially schematically depicts an embodiment of the horticulture arrangement 2, wherein the element 100 comprises a waveguide 300. Hence, especially the light generating device 10 is configured to couple device light 11 into said waveguide 300.

[0086] FIG. 1b schematically depicts an embodiment of the horticulture arrangement 2, wherein the element 100 comprises an elongated unit 400 comprising a plurality of light generating devices 10 configured to provide device light 11. The plurality of light generating devices 10 are configured at different positons along the length L1 of the element 100, wherein the light emitting regions 200 comprise said light generating devices 10. The length L1 of the element 100 is the total length, including optional curves. The light generating devices may especially comprise solid state light sources, such as inorganic LEDs, OLEDs, lasers, VCSELs, or chip on board (COB) light sources, etc., or combinations of two or more of these.

[0087] FIG. 1b also by way of example shows a reinforcing element 140. For instance, would the elongated unit 400 be a LED strip, the reinforcing element 140 may be comprised by the strip or may be configured external from the strip. The reinforcing element 140 may provided the desired rigidness or flexibility in different configurations to the elongated unit.

[0088] The horticulture arrangement 2 or system 1 may further comprise a control system 20 configured to control one or more of the intensities of the horticulture light 201 of the plurality of light emitting regions 200, and the spectral distribution of the horticulture light 201 of the plurality of light emitting regions 200. During use, all light emitting regions 200 may provide horticulture light. However, also one or more of the light emitting regions 200 may provide horticulture light. This may be controlled with the control system.

[0089] Note that also the horticulture arrangement 2 or system 1 of the embodiment schematically depicted in FIG. 1a may include a control system 20, especially at least configured to control the intensities of the horticulture light 201 of the light emitting regions 200. The control system might also be used to drive the type of light spectrum that is coupled into the waveguide.

[0090] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically depict embodiments wherein the system 1 or the horticulture arrangement 2 further comprises lighting elements 232 which are movable associated with the element 100 for positioning the lighting elements 232 at the element 100.

[0091] The lighting elements 232 are optically coupled with the light generating device 10 and are configured to provide said horticulture light 201 during operation of the light generating device 10.

[0092] Hence, one or more lighting elements 232 are configured to couple said device light 11 out of the waveguide 300 via said one or more lighting elements 232. FIG. 2a shows on the right side a variant wherein the horticulture light 201 may essentially have the same spectral distribution as the light 11 of the light generating device.

[0093] FIG. 2a shows on the right side a variant wherein one or more lighting elements 232 are configured to receive said device light 11 from of the waveguide 300, convert at least part of said device light 11 with a wavelength converter 60 into converted light 61, to provide thereby said horticulture light 201 comprising at least part of said converted light 61.

[0094] Further, FIG. 2a schematically depicts embodiments wherein the lighting elements 232 are configured as sleeves slidably associated with the element 100. FIG. 2a also schematically depicts a kit of parts comprising one or more elements 100 and one or more lighting elements 232 which can be configured as sleeves slidably associated with the element(s) 100.

[0095] FIG. 2b schematically depicts an embodiment comprising a plurality of waveguides 300 with two or more waveguides 300 configured optically coupled which each other, wherein the light generating device 10 is configured to couple device light 11 into a first waveguide (e.g. 300a), and wherein a second waveguide (e.g. 300b or 300c) is configured to receive at least part of said device light 11 via the first waveguide (300a). Such configuration may be used to provide a longer element 100 (see e.g. waveguides 300a and 300c) and/or to provide a branched element 100 (see e.g. waveguides 300a and 300b).

[0096] FIG. 2c schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the system 1 further comprises an optical element 235, such as a reflector, configured to have impact on the optical properties of the horticulture light 201 generated by the light emitting region 200 (be it a sleeve type region or another type of region).

[0097] FIG. 2d schematically depicts in some more detail a part of the elongated unit 400 such as schematically depicted in FIG. 1b. By way of example, also a variant (see middle light emitting region 200) is shown wherein a region 200 comprise a wavelength converter 60 configured to convert at least part of the device light 11 into converted light 61, to provide thereby said horticulture light 201 comprising at least part of said converted light 61.

[0098] Further, FIG. 2d schematically depicts by way of example a variant further comprising one or more functional devices 510. Such functional device 510 is especially configured for executing one or more of (i) measuring a temperature, (ii) measuring humidity, (iii) measuring light intensity, (iv) measuring spectral distribution of light, (v) measuring a gas, (vi) heating, (vii) providing water, (viii) providing a gas. Here, by way of example the functional device 510 may also be an electrical device, but also other types of functional devices 510 may (additionally) be applied.

[0099] FIG. 2e schematically depicts a possible application for holding the tendril of the plant 5, e.g. of a tomato plant, with light harvesting from a light guide or wave guide 300 that transports light. Further, this Fig. also schematically depicts that the element (100) may be flexible.

[0100] Further, the element 100 has a first end 111 and a second end 112, wherein the second end 112 is configured higher than the first end 111 for enabling growth of a plant part, especially stem 6a or branch, along the element 300.

[0101] Further, FIG. 2e schematically depicts an embodiment of an external support element 150, such as a frame or a wall, etc. The external support element can be used to position the element 100.

[0102] Hence, amongst others segmented and addressable (multi-wavelength) light sources, extending along a certain length (as to address various parts of the plant or address certain plants in a group of plants with a specific type of light) are provided.

[0103] Yet further, addressability of the light segments may be provided, such as to adapt the light (type, intensity, cycles) according the growth phase of (a specific part of) the plant or a specific plant in a group of plants that are in various stages of development/growth.

[0104] Also, a light guiding element may be provided, which is combined with local out coupling sliding or click-on elements as to create local out coupling or converting light (phosphor based).

[0105] Further, in embodiments segmented heat providing elements embedded in the segmented light source may be provided. Yet further, flexibility of the segmented light source for specific use cases (e.g. in the case of tomato growing, to twist the light source around the stem of the plants) may be provided. In embodiments, local segmented heating and/or humidification and/or micro-wind flow functionality (to generate local micro-climate or e.g. facilitate pollination) can be provided. In yet further embodiments, sensing elements allowing a feedback system (e.g. for monitoring color, local actual plant or air temperature, ethylene emission, O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 gas exchange at the interface of plant and atmosphere, humidity, etc., as a measure of the status of the plant and its micro-climate) etc. are provided. Further, for local external powered add-on without the need for a galvanic connection, an optical or electrical energy harvesting means, based on light energy conversion with a PV cell (or alike) or inductive or capacitive energy transfer can also be provided. In embodiments, a lighting system with segmented light spectrum emission is provided. For instance, a strip-like LED based light source is proposed that has addressable segmented zones (regions), each zone electrically/digitally tunable for an optimal light spectrum and intensity for a specific part of the plant or for a specific plant in a group of plants. Amongst others, the embodiments described herein can be used in greenhouse horticulture, such as for tomato cultivation. For instance, a combination of light strip and mechanical support line for use in greenhouse tomato cultivation, in accordance with today's way of tomato growing in greenhouses is herein proposed (see also FIG. 2e). Depending on the growth phase of the tomato plant (its segment) various lighting recipes are provided; e.g. tuned for optimal leaf growth, fruit growth, ripening, harvest and post-harvest optimization. Amongst others, an arrangement with UV-B-G-R-IR (alike) multi-color segments are herein proposed, such as e.g. with a typically length of 30 cm for tomato growing, that are individually addressable using a digital bus (2- or 3 wire connected). Yet further, light recipes may be provided. For instance, a setting of the lighting recipe can be:

[0106] Location based (with light setting shifting day by day to next segment along the growth phase of the tomato plant) for a range of light strips in a given greenhouse.

[0107] Fine-tuned for individual plants or group of plants, e.g. based on specific locations in the greenhouse, or based on plant type variations.

[0108] Further refined, with the use of local sensing units.

[0109] Additional overall light tuning can be provided as well, e.g. along the time of day (as would be done with any type of LED based horticulture luminaire). Especially when using an elongated unit, functional components, or at least part thereof, and/or wiring etc., may be implemented in the elongated unit, and may e.g. be sealed from the environment, such as may be the case when using a LED strip, with e.g. electrical conductors within a polymeric strip.

[0110] The embodiments described herein may e.g. be used in indoor or outdoor hydroponic horticulture. For instance, a combination with lateral growing of hydroponic crops (so called soilless horticulture) is herein suggested. This can be for both indoor and outdoor horticulture. For outdoor use a simplified light strip that provides e.g. a missing spectral element such as additional UV-A for Nordic regions, or for extending the seasonal period for growing certain plants, could be suggested. For outdoor use, an electrically safety optimized system would be advantageous. Such systems are herein described.

[0111] Herein, also versatile spectra using light conversion elements are described. For instance, a method for creating tuned light from a lighting strip is based on using segmented conversion sleeves around the excitation wave guide, that extract/out couple the light and convert the light (starting from e.g. blue or UV-A light) to the required wavelength, see e.g. FIGS. 2a-c. The sleeves, with various light outputs depending on the embedded conversion material, could be sliding along the strip or be clip-on elements, and be positioned on the proper wanted location. This concept can be used in vertical but also in lateral/horizontal configurations for e.g. tunnel-based agriculture, in hydroponics/soilless horticulture, or in open ground horticulture. During various phases of plant growth, the conversion sleeves can be shifted to another location, or other conversion sleeves (with other light spectrum) can be applied (and the earlier sleeves decoupled for later use during a next crop).

[0112] For modular constructions, it is herein suggested to use a build-up system that allows side-branches for light splitting. This is illustrated in FIG. 2b. Next to out coupling of the transported light and optionally converting as well, the sleeve-element can also be used for a beam direction functionality. E.g. the light can be emitted and/or reflected towards the place of interest (e.g. the plant leaves, the ripening fruits, etc.). This is suggested in FIG. 2c.

[0113] Another embodiment serves the purpose of localized heating source, using the segmented approach. Local heating of the plant or parts of the plant (an additional heat providing) can be much more efficient than increasing the temperature of the whole volume of e.g. a greenhouse. Various types of heating elements might be added to the strip (or could be the key function of the strip): radiator based on IR emitters, thermal heating elements based on heated filaments. Possibly micro-size air fans could be provided for transferring the heat to the plant.

[0114] As an additional function add-on, or as a separate key functionality, other functions with a segmented and tunable addressing could be claimed as well. These could for example be: elements for modifying locally the parameters related to artificial micro-climate generation, such as e.g.: humidity tuning: e.g. by water spray function, or by forced air flow (for drying or for increasing pollination efficiency); supply of Ethylene, CO.sub.2, etc.

[0115] In embodiments, a light arrangement including non-galvanic energy out coupling may be used. For instance, for the case that additional lighting or non-lighting functionalities are to be added to the pre-fabricated (and preferably hermetic) light strip, one might extract energy along the length of the lighting strip for powering such additional functionalities. Methods may be based on e.g.: optical powering: local out coupling combined with light conversion with PV element and use for powering additional function. This functionality could work onto a fully passive (wave guide only) light strip/light ribbon; inductive or capacitive powering: local out coupling with electrical conversion from inside to outside of the light strip, using either inductive or capacitive coupling. This requires electrical elements (conductive plates or strips, inductive elements such as coils, etc.) inside the light strip.

[0116] The term substantially herein, such as in substantially all light or in substantially consists, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term substantially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise includes also embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of. The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

[0117] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0118] The devices herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0119] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0120] The invention further applies to a device comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0121] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.